Archive for April 19th, 2010

Full-Service Intelligent Mail USPS Release #4 is now slated for implementation November 2010. This release will be a “big-brother is watching – and charging – you” release. Intelligent Mail barcode Mail Quality reports will be beefed up, in order to support the USPS non-compliance revenue stream. Instead of looking at compliance issues as a way to improve the mailstream, the Postal Service is more focused on catching errors and charging for them – in most cases the loss of the tiny Intelligent Mail discount and Full-Service benefits for Full-Service Intelligent Mail users. This will make the risks associated with presenting Full-Service mailings all the more difficult to alleviate. The USPS will also be implementing reports designed to catch and charge those receiving Full Service “Free” ACS and then failing to update the addresses within the required time frame.

Other areas having to do with Full-Service compliance penalties include verification of the following requirements:
*Tray, Sack, and Pallet tag/placard correctness and 45-day unique barcode identifiers
*Mailpiece barcode 45-day uniqueness
*FAST Drop Ship appointments
*Barcode Mailer ID and Service Type Code correctness
*Customer/Supplier Agreement verification
These verifications can be done all the way to the piece level, so the non-compliance ramifications can end up being assessed on a portion or on the entire mailing. IMb verifications will be done via the eDocumentation, it is important to note that the risk carries all the way through to delivery; an error can be picked up at any time in the mailstream – not just at verification. Loss of both the discount and any Full-Service ACS information is always going to be a possibility, with little room for recourse from the mailer or mail owner.

On a positive note, the USPS changed the Standard Mail Full Service ACS timeframe requirement from 30 days (a near-impossibility), to the more reasonable 95 day compliance timeframe. The industry, and several vociferous MTAC Associations, have long lobbied for the change. No idea what finally prompted the USPS to take the appropriate action and adjust, but it is a welcome change.

Hallmark has launched the Postage Paid Greetings card line with the US Postal Service. The company announced the product at the National Postal Forum conference on April 12, during the general session.